Hydraulic joint

ABSTRACT

Various systems and assemblies that can be utilized with hydraulic and other fluid flow lines are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the present application discloses an assembly that can include a first section, a second section and a third section. The first section can define a first passageway therein to receive and allow for passage of a fluid. The second section can define a second passageway that communicates with the first passageway. The second section and the first section together can form a first ball joint having an internal portion and an external portion. The first ball joint can comprise a moveable coupling between second section and the first section. The third section can define a third passageway that communicates with the second passageway. The third section can telescopically receive the second section therein and can be configured to form a linearly moveable joint between the third section and the second section.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/654,418, filed Jul. 19, 2017, which application claims priority toU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/529,614, entitled “HYDRAULIC JOINT,”filed Jul. 7, 2017; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/365,573,entitled “HYDRAULIC JOINT”, filed Jul. 22, 2016, and to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/504,816, entitled “HYDRAULIC JOINT”, filed May 11,2017, the entire specifications of each of which are incorporated hereinby reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present patent application relates to hydraulic systems, and moreparticularly, to hydraulic joints.

BACKGROUND

Hydraulic systems are used for a variety of applications such as forsteering, fan and/or other driven components by vehicles (e.g.,industrial machines, transport, commercial and marine vehicles). In manyof these applications, the flow lines and joints between the systemcomponents are exposed to harsh environments, for example, a high degreeof temperature change. These harsh environments can lead to the rapidfailure of the flow lines/joint causing safety concerns.

In many countries and for many applications, safety regulations havebeen promulgated to address safety concerns that can result from theharsh operational environment. These regulations tend to requireinspection and/or replacement of the flow lines/joints after a setperiod of time. For example, in Australia, mining machinery safetyregulations dictate that hydraulic hoses in engine bays must be replacedevery twelve months. As one can image, the repeated replacement of suchhoses and joints can be expensive over the long term.

Overview

Various systems and apparatuses are disclosed that can be used toaccommodate high capacity hydraulic flow and/or in applications wherehydraulic flow lines/joint is exposed to harsh environment (e.g., anenvironment with a good deal of expansion and contraction betweencomponents). In some cases, these systems and apparatuses can be usedwith wind turbine hydraulic lines that can require a high capacity ofhydraulic fluid (e.g., 4,000 liters/min per megawatt). Such wind powerapplication also utilizes long hydraulic flow lines that are subject toexpansion and contraction due to length and the harsh environment.Further applications are contemplated including in the engine bays ofindustrial machines, which are also subject to harsh conditions. Indeed,the hydraulic flow lines/joint disclosed herein is broadly applicable toany vehicle not just those operating in harsh conditions.

As used herein the term “vehicle” means virtually all types of vehiclessuch as earth moving equipment (e.g., mining equipment, wheel loaders,mini-loaders, backhoes, dump trucks, crane trucks, transit mixers,etc.), waste recovery vehicles, marine vehicles, industrial equipment(e.g., agricultural equipment), personal vehicles, public transportationvehicles, and commercial road vehicles (e.g., heavy road trucks,semi-trucks, etc.).

The present inventor has recognized that currently available hydraulicjoints and flow lines can have a relatively short useable life prior tofailure due to harsh conditions (e.g., high temperature variability).The inventor has further recognized that currently available hydraulicjoints and flow lines may be inadequate to handle capacity or may beinadequate to meet other criteria in some applications (e.g., as fluidlines in a wind power application). In view of these challenges, thepresent inventor has recognized hydraulic joint assembly that isflexible to better accommodate relative movement between portions of thejoint. The present inventor has further purposed an arrangement of sealsin the joint assembly to better accommodate harsh conditions and/orcapacity requirements.

To further illustrate the systems, methods and/or apparatuses disclosedherein, the following non-limiting examples are provided:

Example 1 is an assembly comprising: a first section defining a firstpassageway therein to receive and pass a fluid; a second sectiondefining a second passageway that communicates with the firstpassageway, the second section and the first section together forming afirst ball joint having an internal portion and an external portion, thefirst ball joint comprising a moveable coupling between second sectionand the first section; a third section defining a third passageway thatcommunicates with the second passageway, the third sectiontelescopically receiving the second section therein and configured toform a linearly moveable joint between the third section and the secondsection; and a fourth section defining a fourth passageway thatcommunicates with the third passageway, the fourth section and the thirdsection together forming a second ball joint having an internal portionand an external portion, the second ball joint comprising a moveablecoupling between the fourth section and the third section.

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 optionally includeswherein one or more of the first section, the second section, the thirdsection and the fourth section is configured to house a seal, whereinthe seal is configured to allow for the passage of a portion of thefluid as a weep into a volume defined between at least the seal, the oneor more of the first section, the second section, the third section andthe fourth section and a second seal, and wherein the one or more of thefirst section, the second section, the third section and the fourthsection is configured to define a passageway to drain the portion of thefluid from the volume.

In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 2 optionally includeswherein the seal comprises a Teflon bronze seal and is one of at leastthree seals provided between each of the first section and the secondsection, the second section and the third section, and the third sectionand the fourth section.

In Example 4, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-3optionally include wherein one or more of the first section that formsthe first passageway and the fourth section that forms the fourthpassageway has at least one flared end portion configured to form aportion of a curvature of the external portion of at least one of thefirst ball joint and the second ball joint.

In Example 5, the subject matter of Example 4 optionally includeswherein the at least one flared end portion abuts a mating second flaredportion of at least one of the second section and the third section atan interface, and wherein the interface allows a portion of the fluid toflow into a volume defined between at least one of the internal portionand the external portion of the first ball joint and the internalportion and the external portion of the second ball joint.

In Example 6, the subject matter of Example 5 optionally includeswherein the portion of the fluid that flows into the volume definedbetween the internal portion and the external portion of one or more ofthe first ball joint and the second ball joint further weeps past afirst seal in the one or more of the first ball joint and the secondball joint and into a second volume defined between the first seal, theinternal portion and the external portion of the one or more of thefirst ball joint and the second ball joint and a second seal.

In Example 7, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 5-6optionally include wherein the first seal comprises a Teflon bronze sealand is one of at least three seals provided between each of the firstsection and the second section, the second section and the thirdsection, and the third section and the fourth section.

In Example 8, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-7optionally include a circlip disposed between the second section and thethird section, wherein the second section includes a flange projectionreceived in a cavity of the third section and the circlip is configuredto act as a stop to halt a movement of the flange projection out of thecavity.

In Example 9, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-8optionally include wherein the assembly is configured such that eachseal is recessed in one or more of the first section, the secondsection, the third section and the fourth section, the assembly witheach seal recessed allowing for a relative movement between the firstsection and the second section, the second section and the thirdsection, and the third section and the fourth section.

In Example 10, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-9optionally include a flange configured to abut and be fastened to one ormore of the first section and the fourth section, the flange configuredto form a part of the external portion of one or more of the first balljoint and the second ball joint, wherein the flange is configured tohouse at least two seals in grooves therein and is configured tointerface with one or more of the second section and the third section.

In Example 11, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 2-10optionally include a third seal disposed within a volume defined betweenat least the seal, the one or more of the first section, the secondsection, the third section and the fourth section and the second seal,the third seal configured to expand and contract in response totemperature to regulate the weep to the passageway to drain the portionof the fluid from the volume.

In Example 12, the subject matter of Example 11 optionally includeswherein the third seal is configured to expand in the event of a fire oranother high temperature event that results in an elevated temperatureto block or substantially restrict the weep to the passageway.

In Example 13, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11-12optionally include a second passageway having a connector configured toconnect with a leakage monitor.

In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 13 optionally includeswherein the second passageway communicates with the volume between thethird seal and the second seal.

Example 15 is a system of joints comprising: a first section configuredto define a first passageway therein; a second section configured todefine a second passageway, the second section and the first sectiontogether configured to form a first ball joint having an internalportion and an external portion, the first ball joint configured as amoveable coupling between second section and the first section when thesecond section and the first section are assembled together; and a thirdsection configured to define a third passageway, the third sectionconfigured to telescopically receive the second section therein andconfigured to form a linearly moveable joint between the third sectionand the second section when the third section and the second section areassembled together.

In Example 16, the subject matter of Example 15 optionally includes afourth section configured to define a fourth passageway, the fourthsection and the third section together configured to form a second balljoint having an internal portion and an external portion, the secondball joint configured as a moveable coupling between the fourth sectionand the third section when the fourth section and the third section areassembled together.

In Example 17, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 15-16optionally include at least six seals with at least at least three sealsprovided between each of the first section and the second section andthe second section and the third section.

In Example 18, the subject matter of Example 17 optionally includeswherein at least two of the at least six seals comprise Teflon bronzeseals, at least one of the Teflon bronze seals disposed between each ofthe first section and the second section and the second section and thethird section.

In Example 19, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 17-18optionally include wherein the first section and the third section areconfigured such that each of the six seals is recessed from the secondsection when installed thereby allowing for a relative movement betweenthe first section and the section and the second section and the thirdsection.

In Example 20, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 15-19optionally include a circlip configured to be disposed between thesecond section and the first section, wherein the second section has aflange projection configured to be received in a cavity of the thirdsection and the circlip is configured to act as a stop to halt amovement of the flange projection out of the cavity.

In Example 21, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 15-20optionally include a flange configured to abut and be fastened to thefirst section, the flange configured to form a part of the externalportion of the first ball joint, wherein the flange is configured tohouse at least two seals in grooves therein and is configured tointerface with the second section.

In Example 22, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 15-21optionally include wherein the first section forming the firstpassageway has at least one flared end portion configured to form acurvature of the internal portion of the first ball joint.

In Example 23, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 16-22optionally include wherein one or more of the first section, the secondsection, the third section and the fourth section is configured to housea seal, wherein the seal is configured to allow for the passage of aportion of the fluid as a weep into a volume defined between at leastthe seal, the one or more of the first section, the second section, thethird section and the fourth section and a second seal, and wherein theone or more of the first section, the second section, the third sectionand the fourth section is configured to define a passageway to drain theportion of the fluid from the volume.

In Example 24, the subject matter of Example 23 optionally includes athird seal disposed within a volume defined between at least the seal,the one or more of the first section, the second section, the thirdsection and the fourth section and the second seal, the third sealconfigured to expand and contract in response to temperature to regulatethe weep to the passageway to drain the portion of the fluid from thevolume.

In Example 25, the subject matter of Example 24 optionally includeswherein the third seal is configured to expand in the event of a fire oranother high temperature event that results in an elevated temperatureto block or substantially restrict the weep to the passageway.

In Example 26, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 24-25optionally include a second passageway having a connector configured toconnect with a leakage monitor.

In Example 27, the subject matter of Example 26 optionally includeswherein the second passageway communicates with the volume between thethird seal and the second seal.

Example 28 is an assembly comprising: a first section defining a firstpassageway therein to receive a fluid; a second section defining asecond passageway that communicates with the first passageway, thesecond section and the first section together forming a first ball jointhaving an internal portion and an external portion, the first ball jointcomprising a moveable coupling between second section and the firstsection; a third section defining a third passageway that communicateswith the second passageway, the third section telescopically receivingthe second section therein and configured to form a linearly moveablejoint between the third section and the second section; and a first sealpositioned at the first ball joint and configured to allow for thepassage of a portion of the fluid as a weep into a volume definedbetween the internal portion and the external portion and a second seal.

In Example 29, the subject matter of Example 28 optionally includeswherein the first section is configured to define a passageway to drainthe fluid from the volume.

In Example 30, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 28-29optionally include a fourth section defining a fourth passageway thatcommunicates with the third passageway, the fourth section and the thirdsection together forming a second ball joint having an internal portionand an external portion, the second ball joint comprising a moveablecoupling between the fourth section and the third section.

In Example 31, the subject matter of Example 30 optionally includes athird seal positioned at the second ball joint and configured to allowfor the passage of a second portion of the fluid as a weep into a secondvolume defined between the internal portion and the external portion ofthe second ball joint and a fourth seal.

In Example 32, the subject matter of Example 31 optionally includes afifth seal positioned between the second section and the third sectionand configured to allow for the passage of a third portion of the fluidas a weep into a third volume defined between the second section, thethird section and a sixth seal.

In Example 33, the subject matter of Example 32 optionally includeswherein the first seal, third seal and fifth seal each comprise a Teflonbronze seal and at least three seals are provided between each of thefirst section and the second section, the second section and the thirdsection, and the third section and the fourth section.

In Example 34, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 28-33optionally include wherein the first section that forms the firstpassageway has at least one flared end portion configured to form acurvature of the internal portion of the first ball joint.

In Example 35, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 28-34optionally include a circlip disposed between the second section and thefirst section, wherein the second section includes a flange projectionreceived in a cavity of the third section and the circlip is configuredto act as a stop to halt a movement of the flange projection out of thecavity.

In Example 36, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 28-35optionally include wherein the assembly is configured such that eachseal is recessed in one or more of the first section, the secondsection, the third section and the fourth section, the assembly witheach seal recessed allowing for a relative movement between the firstsection and the second section and the second section and the thirdsection.

In Example 37, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 28-36optionally include a flange configured to abut and be fastened to thefirst section and the fourth section, the flange configured to form apart of the external portion of the first ball joint, wherein the flangeis configured to house at least two seals in grooves therein and isconfigured to interface with the second section.

In Example 38, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 28-37optionally include a third seal disposed within the volume, the thirdseal configured to expand and contract in response to temperature toregulate the weep to the passageway to drain the portion of the fluidfrom the volume.

In Example 39, the subject matter of Example 38 optionally includeswherein the third seal is configured to expand in the event of a fire oranother high temperature event that results in an elevated temperatureto block or substantially restrict the weep to the passageway.

In Example 40, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 38-39optionally include a second passageway having a connector configured toconnect with a leakage monitor.

In Example 41, the subject matter of Example 40 optionally includeswherein the second passageway communicates with the volume between thethird seal and the second seal.

In Example 42, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-41optionally include a swivel assembly configured to moveably couple tothe fourth section.

In Example 43, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 16-42optionally include a swivel assembly configured to moveably couple tothe fourth section.

In Example 44, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 30-43optionally include a swivel assembly configured to moveably couple tothe fourth section.

In Example 45, the assemblies and/or systems of any one or anycombination of Examples 1-44 can optionally be configured such that allelements or options recited are available to use or select from.

These and other examples and features of the present devices and systemswill be set forth in part in the following Detailed Description. Thisoverview is intended to provide a summary of subject matter of thepresent patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusiveor exhaustive removal of the invention. The detailed description isincluded to provide further information about the present patentapplication.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numeralsmay describe similar components in different views. Like numerals havingdifferent letter suffixes may represent different instances of similarcomponents. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, butnot by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the presentdocument.

FIG. 1 is schematic view of an assembly that can be part of a hydraulicsystem, the assembly includes a plurality of sections according to anexample of the present application.

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 1 according toan example of the present application

FIG. 1B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a first joint between afirst section and a second section of the assembly of FIG. 1A accordingto an example of the present application.

FIG. 1C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a second joint betweenthe second section and a third section of the assembly of FIG. 1Aaccording to an example of the present application.

FIGS. 2 and 2A show an assembly according to another example of thepresent application with the assembly of FIG. 2A having sections withpositions moved relative to those of the assembly of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 3 to 5 show assemblies according to further examples of thepresent application that include sections of differing configuration(e.g., straight, 45° turn, 90° turn) and the assembly coupled to hoseinstead of pipe.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of another embodiment of thefirst joint between the first section and the second section of theassembly as previously shown in FIG. 1B according to an example of thepresent application.

FIG. 7 is schematic view of another embodiment an assembly that can bepart of a hydraulic system, the assembly includes the plurality ofsections and a plurality of leakage monitoring connections including theleakage monitoring connections previously shown in FIG. 6 according toan example of the present application.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of theembodiment of FIG. 7 showing one of the plurality of leakage monitoringconnections according to an example of the present application.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of an assemblythat can be part of a hydraulic system, the assembly can include aswivel assembly according to an example of the present application.

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view along B-B of the assembly of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9C is a second perspective view of the assembly of FIGS. 9A and 9B.

FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional view of the swivel assembly along D-D ofFIG. 9C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application relates to flow lines for fluid such ashydraulic fluids, and in particular, to an assembly and system of aplurality sections and joints that together form a flow line for fluidto pass therethrough. The assembly/system can be configured to allow forrelative movement between the sections at the joints. As is shown invarious embodiments of the FIGURES, the assembly/system can be used witheither relatively non-flexible flow line such as pipe or with moreflexible flow lines such as hose, for example. According to oneembodiment, the present application comprises an assembly that caninclude a first section, a second section and a third section. The firstsection can define a first passageway therein to receive and allow forpassage of a fluid. The second section can define a second passagewaythat communicates with the first passageway. The second section and thefirst section together can form a first ball joint having an internalportion and an external portion. The first ball joint can comprise amoveable coupling between second section and the first section. Thethird section can define a third passageway that communicates with thesecond passageway. The third section can telescopically receive thesecond section therein and can be configured to form a linearly moveablejoint between the third section and the second section. According tofurther embodiments, the assembly can include a first seal positioned atthe first ball joint and configured to allow for the passage of aportion of the fluid as a weep into a volume defined between theinternal portion and the external portion and a second seal. Accordingto yet further embodiments, the assembly can include a fourth section.The fourth section can define a fourth passageway that communicates withthe third passageway. The fourth section and the third section togethercan form a second ball joint having an internal portion and an externalportion. The second ball joint can comprise a moveable coupling betweenthe fourth section and the third section.

Other examples not specifically discussed herein with reference to theFIGURES can be utilized. The disclosed assemblies and systems areapplicable to wind turbine power applications, private vehicles,commercial vehicles (e.g., buses, agriculture machines, earth movingequipment, waste collection vehicles, fishing trawlers, cranes, etc.),and in any other application that uses a hydraulic flow.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an assembly 100 coupling a firstfluid line 102A to a second fluid line 102B. In the example of FIG. 1,the first fluid line 102A can comprise a pipe 104A and the second fluidline 102B can comprise a pipe 104A. The assembly 100 can comprise asystem 106 for interconnection as will be discussed subsequently. Theassembly 100 can include a first section 108, a second section 110, athird section 112, and a fourth section 114.

FIG. 1 shows broadly that the first fluid line 102A can be coupled in afixed attachment manner (i.e. at a relatively fixed joint) to the firstsection 108. In turn, the first section 108 can be moveably coupled withthe second section 110 as will be discussed subsequently. Thus, thefirst section 108 and the second section 110 can form a moveable jointthat allows for relative movement between the first section 108 and thesecond section 110.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the second section 110 can betelescopically received within the third section 112 such that thesecond section 110 can be linearly moveably coupled with the thirdsection 112. Thus, the second section 110 and the third section 112 canform a moveable joint that allows for linear relative movement betweenthe second section 110 and the third section 112.

Similarly, the third section 112 can be moveably coupled with the fourthsection 114 as will be discussed subsequently. Thus, the third section112 and the fourth section 114 can form a moveable joint that allows forrelative movement between the third section 112 and the fourth section114. The fourth section 114 can be coupled in a fixed attachment manner(i.e. at a relatively fixed joint) to the second fluid line 102B.

FIG. 1A shows a cross-section of the assembly 100, the first fluid line102A, and the second fluid line 102B. As previously discussed withrespect to FIG. 1, the assembly 100 can include the first section 108,the second section 110, the third section 112 and the fourth section114.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the first section 110 can be configured to define afirst passageway 116A configured to receive and allow for passage of afluid such as a hydraulic fluid. Similarly, the second section 110 canbe configured to define second passageway 116B that communicates withthe first passageway 116A thereby allowing for passage of the fluidthrough the second section 110. In a similar manner, the third section112 can configured to define a third passageway 116C that communicateswith the second passageway 116B and thereby allows for passage of thefluid through the third section 112. The fourth section 114 can beconfigured to define a fourth passageway 116D that communicates with thethird passageway 116C and thereby allows for passage of the fluidthrough the fourth section 114. Thus, the assembly 100 is configured toallow for passage of the fluid from the first flow line 102A to thesecond flow line 102B.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the first section 108 can be affixed to the firstflow line 102A at a fixed joint 118A. The first section 108 can bemoveably coupled to the second section 110 at a movable joint 118B.According to the example of FIG. 1A, the moveable joint 118B cancomprise a first ball joint 120. Thus, the first ball joint 120 cancomprise a moveable coupling 124A between the first section 108 and thesecond section 110. Together the second section 110 and the firstsection 108 can form the first ball joint 120, which can have aninternal portion 122A and an external portion 122B. The internal portion122A can be formed by the second section 110 and the external portion122B can be formed by the first section 108 according to the embodimentof FIG. 1A. However, such relationship can be reversed according toother embodiments.

The second section 110 can be moveably coupled to the third section 112at a linearly movable joint 118C. More particularly, the third section112 can be configured to telescopically receive the second section 110therein. Together the third section 112 and the second section 110 canbe configured to form a linearly moveable joint 118C between the thirdsection 112 and the second section 110.

The fourth section 114 can be moveably coupled to the third section 112at a movable joint 118D. According to the example of FIG. 1A, themoveable joint 118D can comprise a second ball joint 126. Thus, thesecond ball joint 126 can comprise a moveable coupling 124B between thefourth section 114 and the third section 112. Together the third section112 and the fourth section 114 can form the second ball joint 126, whichcan have an internal portion 128A and an external portion 128B. Theinternal portion 128A can be formed by the third section 112 and theexternal portion 128B can be formed by the fourth section 114 accordingto the embodiment of FIG. 1A. However, such relationship can be reversedaccording to other embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1A, the fourth section114 can be affixed to the second flow line 102B at a second fixed joint118B.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the assembly 100 can have aplurality of seals 130 including at least one weeping seal 132.According to the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the weeping seal 132 cancomprise a Teflon bronze seal. In other embodiments, other O-ring typeseals that are configured to allow for weeping of fluid past the seal ina controlled manner are contemplated. The seal 132 can be one of atleast three seals (part of the plurality of seals 130) provided betweeneach of the first section 108 and the second section 110, the secondsection 110 and the third section 112, and the third section 112 and thefourth section 114.

One or more of the first section 108, the third section 112 and thefourth section 114 can be configured to house the weeping seal 132.Indeed, in the embodiment of FIG. 1A all of the first section 108, thethird section 112 and the fourth section 114 can be configured to houseat least one weeping seal 132 therein such as in a recess 134 (numberedonly in the enlargements of FIGS. 1B and 1C) specifically configured toreceive the seal 132. Indeed, according to some embodiments such as theembodiment of FIGS. 1A to 1C, the assembly 100 can be configured suchthat each seal 130 can be recessed in one or more of the first section108, the third section 112 and the fourth section 114. The assembly 100with each seal 130 recessed can allow for a relative movement betweenthe first section 108 and the second section 110, the second section 110and the third section 112, and the third section 112 and the fourthsection 114.

According to one embodiment the seal 132 can be configured to allow forthe passage of a portion of the fluid (shown by arrow F in FIGS. 1B and1C) as a weep into a volume (numbered 136A in FIG. 1B and 136B in FIG.1C) defined between at least the seal 132, the one or more of the firstsection 108, the third section 112, and the fourth section 114 and asecond seal (numbered 138A in FIG. 1B and 138B in FIG. 1C). The one ormore of the first section 108, the third section 112 and the fourthsection 114 can be configured to define a passageway (numbered 140A inFIG. 1B and 140B in FIG. 1C) configured to drain the portion of thefluid from the volume (numbered 136A in FIG. 1B and 136B in FIG. 1C) asshown by arrow F.

One or more of the first section 108 that forms the first passageway116A and the fourth section 114 that forms the fourth passageway 116Dcan have at least one flared end portion 142A and 142B configured toform a portion of the curvature of the external portion 122B, 128B of atleast one of the first ball joint 120 and the second ball joint 126. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 1A, both the first section 116A and the fourthsection 114 can be configured to have the at least one flared endportion 142A, 142B.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the at least one flared end portion 142A, 142B canabut a mating second flared portion 144A, 144B of at least one of thesecond section 110 and the third section 112 at an interface. Theinterface (number 145 in FIG. 1B) can be configured to allow a portionof the fluid (shown as F in FIG. 1B) to flow into a volume (numbered146A in FIG. 1B) defined between at least one of the internal portion122A and the external portion 122B of the first ball joint 120 and theinternal portion 128A and the external portion 128B of the second balljoint 126. The portion of the fluid (shown as F in FIGS. 1B and 1C) thatflows into the volume (numbered 146A in FIG. 1B and 146B in FIG. 1C) canbe defined between the internal portion 122A, 128A and the externalportion 122B, 128B of one or more of the first ball joint 120 and thesecond ball joint 126 can further weep past the weeping seal 132 in theone or more of the first ball joint 126 and the second ball joint 128and into the volume (numbered 136A in FIG. 1B and 136B in FIG. 1C)defined between the seal 132, the internal portion 122A, 128A and theexternal portion 122B, 128B of the one or more of the first ball joint120 and the second ball joint 126 and the second seal (numbered 138A inFIG. 1B and 138B in FIG. 1C).

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1 s further shown in FIG. 1C, a circlip 148 canbe disposed between the second section 110 and the third section 112. Inparticular, the third section 112 can have a groove 150 (numbered inFIG. 1C) which can be configured to capture the circlip 148 therein. Asshown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1C, the second section 110 caninclude a flange projection 152 received in a cavity 154 of the thirdsection 112. The circlip 148 can be configured to act as a stop to halta movement of the flange projection 152 out of the cavity 154. However,the second section 110 and the flange projection 152 can translate alimited distance within the cavity 154 as shown by arrow T in FIG. 1C.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1 s further shown in the enlargement of FIG.1B, the assembly 100 can include a flange 160A, 160B configured to abutand be fastened to one or more of the first section 108 and the fourthsection 114. In particular, as shown in FIG. 1A, the flange 160A canabut and be fastened by bolt or other manner to the first section 108.Similarly, the flange 160B can abut and be fastened by bolt or othermanner to the fourth section 114. The flange 160A, 160B can beconfigured to form a part of the external portion 122B, 128B of one ormore of the first ball joint 120 and the second ball joint 126. Theflange 160A, 160B can be configured to house at least two seals(numbered 138A and 138C in FIG. 1B) in grooves therein. The flange 160A,160B can be configured to interface with one or more of the secondsection 110 and the third section 112 as part of the first ball joint120 and/or the second ball joint 126.

FIG. 1B provides an enlargement of the first ball joint 120 includingthe internal portion 122A and the external portion 122B formed by thefirst section 108 and the second section 110, respectively as previouslydescribed. Further details regarding the construct shown in FIG. 1B aredescribed above.

FIG. 1C provides an enlargement of the linearly movable joint 118Cformed between the second section 110 and the third section 112. Furtherdetails regarding the construct shown in FIG. 1C are described above.

FIGS. 2 and 2A show an assembly 200, a first fluid line 202A and asecond fluid line 202B according to another embodiment. The assembly 200can be constructed in the manner described similar to that of assembly100, and thus, the assembly 200 can include a first section 208, asecond section 210, a third section 212, a fourth section 214.

As the construction of the components of assembly 200 is detailed withrespect to assembly 100, the description of FIGS. 2 and 2A will focus onconstruction and other details that differ slightly between assembly 200and assembly 100. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 2A the fourth section 214 canbe configured to bend or turn (e.g., to form a 45° angle from a firstportion 214A to a second portion 214B. This construct allows the secondfluid line 202B to diverge at an angle θ₁ (FIG. 2) and θ₂ (FIG. 2A) fromthe direction of the first fluid line 202A.

FIGS. 2 and 2A also show relative movement between the first section 208and the second section 210 and between the third section 212 and thefourth section 214. As shown in FIG. 2 a first ball joint 220 can beformed by the first section 208 and the second section 210 and can forma first angle β₁. In FIG. 2A, the first ball joint 220 can allow forrelative movement between the first section 208 and the second section210 such that a second angle β₂ is formed. β₁ can differ from β₂ asshown between FIGS. 2 and 2A.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 2 a second ball joint 226 can be formed bythe third section 212 and the fourth section 214 and can form a thirdangle β₃. In FIG. 2A, the second ball joint 226 can allow for relativemovement between the third section 212 and the fourth section 214 suchthat a fourth angle β₄ is formed. β₃ can differ from β₄ as shown betweenFIGS. 2 and 2A.

FIGS. 3 to 5 show assemblies 300, 400 and 500 according to furtherembodiments. The assemblies 300, 400, and 500 can be constructed in amanner similar to those described previously in reference to assemblies100 and 200. The assemblies 300, 400, and 500 can couple with first andsecond fluid lines 302A, 302B as shown. According to the embodiment ofFIGS. 3 to 5, the first and second fluid lines 302A, 302B can comprise ahose 304A, 304B that can be constructed of heavy duty thermoset plasticsuch as nylon, for example. According to further examples, the hose304A, 304B can be constructed virtually any material that has somedegree of bendablilty in order to fit into engine bays or other confinedspace.

The assemblies 300, 400, and 500 differ in that a fourth section 314,414, and 514 of each has a relatively different construct. The fourthsection 314 of FIG. 3 can be substantially straight (i.e. 0°) and doesnot form a fixed turn. The fourth section 414 of FIG. 4 can be angled toform a fixed turn (e.g., substantially a 45° turn). The fourth section514 of FIG. 5 can be angled to form a second fixed turn (e.g.,substantially a 90° turn).

FIG. 6 provides an enlargement of the first ball joint 120 as previouslydescribed in reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B. The first ball joint 120includes the internal portion 122A and the external portion 122B formedby the first section 108 and the second section 110, respectively aspreviously described. Further details regarding the construct shown inFIG. 6 are described above in reference to FIGS. 1A and 1, however, theembodiment of FIG. 6 differs from the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B inat least two respects.

First, an insert or seal 600 can be provided downstream with respect tothe flow of the fluid F past the weeping seal 134. Recall the weeping(first) seal 132 can be configured to allow for the passage of a portionof the fluid F as a weep into a volume (numbered 136A in FIG. 6) definedbetween at least the seal 132 and a second seal (numbered 138A in FIG.6). The fluid can then drain in the manner discussed in reference toFIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C via the passage 140A (FIG. 1).

Thus, the first section 108 can be configured to house a seal 132. Theseal 132 can be configured to allow for the passage of a portion of thefluid F as a weep into the volume 136A defined between at least the seal132, the first section 108, the second section 110 and the second seal138A. The first section 108 can be configured to define a passageway140A (FIG. 1B) to drain the portion of the fluid F from the volume 136A.A third seal (e.g., the insert or seal 600) can be disposed within thevolume 136A defined between at least the seal 132, the one or more ofthe first section 108, the second section 110, the third section and thefourth section and the second seal 138A. The third seal (e.g., theinsert or seal 600) can be configured to expand and contract in responseto temperature to regulate the weep to the passageway 140A to drain theportion of the fluid from the volume 136A.

The insert or seal 600 can be bi-metallic in construction. Thus, theinsert or seal 600 can be comprised of two or metals/alloys havingdifferent relative rates of thermal expansion. For example, an innerface 602 of the insert or seal 600 can be formed of a first metal/alloyand an outer face 604 of the insert or seal 600 can be formed of asecond metal/alloy. This can cause the insert or seal 600 to expand andcontract in response to temperature variations in a desired manner. Forexample, in case of fire or other high temperature event the insert orseal 600 can expand to close or substantially restrict volume 136A. Thiscan restrict (stop or substantially slow) the passage of the fluid F tothe drain (shown in FIGS. 1A and 1). In this manner, during a hightemperature event, fluid F may not pass to the drain to provide furtherfuel (or to provide an initial fuel should a fire occur).

The embodiment of FIG. 6 further illustrates a passage 606 can beprovided through the first section 108 or another section. The passage606 can communicate with the volume 136A downstream of the insert orseal 600 and between the insert or seal 600 and the second seal(numbered 138A in FIG. 6). The passage 606 can have a connection 608configured to couple with a leakage monitor (not shown). The leakagemonitor can be configured to sense when the fluid F in the volumedeviates from a desired amount. When such deviation is sensed and canalert the user to such condition. For example, the leakage monitor canalert when too large an amount weep is sensed, possibly due to a failureof one of the seals. Conversely, the leakage monitor could alert if toolittle an amount of weep is sensed. Such condition (too little an amountof weep) could be indicative a high temperature event such as fire.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-section of an assembly 700. The assembly 700 canincorporate the insert or seal 600, passage 606 and connection 608 andother features on the first ball joint 120 as previously described inreference to FIG. 6. Additionally, the assembly 700 includes the secondball joint 126 having a similar construction to the first ball joint120. Thus, the second ball joint 126 can include a second insert or seal702, a second passage 706 and second connection 708, for example.

FIG. 8 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a second joint betweenthe second section 110 and the third section 112 of the assembly 700 ofFIG. 7. The second section 110 and the third section 112 can beconstructed and operate in the manner previously described in referenceto FIG. 1C of the present application. However, the embodiment of FIG. 8differs in that in addition to seal 130 and seal 132, the joint betweenthe second section 110 and the third section 112 includes a joint orseal 804 that can be constructed in the manner of insert or seal 600previously described in reference to FIG. 6. A second seal 805 can alsobe disposed in the joint between the second section 110 and the thirdsection 112. Additionally, a passage 806 similar to the passage 606previously described can be disposed to communicate in the volumedefined between the second section 110, the third section 112, thesecond seal 805 and the insert or seal 804. A connection 808 configuredto connect with a leakage monitor as previously described in referenceto FIG. 6 can communicate with the passage 806. The second seal 805 cancomprise a backup safety seal. The insert or seal 804 can comprise athermal metal (as previously described) and can expand to excludeleakage in case of a fire or other high temperature event.

FIGS. 9A-9D show an assembly 900 having a plurality of sections. Theseplurality of sections are best shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C and can includea first section 902, a second section 904, a third section 906 and afourth section 908. The assembly 900 can also include a swivel assembly910 as shown in FIGS. 9A-9D. FIG. 9B shows the assembly 900 can includefeatures such as the second ball joint 126 (connection between the firstsection 902 and the second section 904) of having a similar constructionto the ball joints as previously described in reference to FIGS. 1A, 1Band 6. Thus, the second ball joint 126 can include a second insert orseal 702, a second passage 706 and second connection 708, for example aspreviously described in reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

Still referring to FIG. 9B, the assembly 900 can be constructed in themanner of the assembly of FIG. 8 such that the second section 904 andthe third section 906 can include a joint or seal 804 that can beconstructed in the manner of insert or seal 600 previously described inreference to FIG. 6. A second seal 805 (not shown) can also be disposedin the joint. Additionally, a passage 806 similar to the passage 606previously described can be disposed to communicate in the volumedefined between the second section 904, the third section 906, thesecond seal 805 (not shown) and the insert or seal 804. A connection 808configured to connect with a leakage monitor as previously described inreference to FIG. 6 can communicate with the passage 806. The secondseal 805 (not shown) can comprise a backup safety seal. The insert orseal 804 can comprise a thermal metal (as previously described) and canexpand to exclude leakage in case of a fire or other high temperatureevent.

The assembly 900 differs from those of previous assemblies in that thefourth section 908 can moveably couple with the swivel assembly 910 at aT-joint 912 as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9D. In particular, the fourthsection 908 can include a first portion 914 and a second portion 916 asshown in FIGS. 9B and 9D. The second portion 916 can be arranged at anangle relative to the first portion 914 such as a transverse angle asshown in FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9D. The swivel assembly 910 can be moveableabout the second portion 916. As shown in FIGS. 9B and 9D a passage 918can allow for communication of lubricant or other fluid through thefourth section 908 between the first portion 914 and the second portion916.

As shown in FIG. 9D, the swivel assembly 910 can include severalcomponents including end piece 920, a sleeve 922 and an adapter 924. Thesleeve 922 can be configured to receive and connect with the secondportion 916 as well as portions of the end piece 920. The adapter 924can connect with the sleeve 922 at a first end 926 thereof while the endpiece 920 can be disposed at a second end 928 thereof. The adapter 924,sleeve 922 and the second portion 916 can form further lengths of thepassage 918. The adapter 924 can be configured to turn the passage 918,and thus, can be configured to extend to have a first end 930 having anangle in two or three-dimensions relative to the first portion 914 andthe second portion 916.

As shown in FIG. 9D, the coupling between the swivel assembly 910 andthe fourth section 908 can necessitate the use of one or more seals 932.The one or more seals 932 can include a lip seal 934, a backup seal 936and a primary seal 938, for example. A bearing ring 940 can also beused. The lip seal 934, the backup seal 936 and the primary seal 938 canbe arranged between the end piece 920 and the second portion 916according to the embodiment of FIG. 9D. Similarly, the bearing ring 940can be disposed between the end piece 920 and the second portion 916.

The above detailed description includes references to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawingsshow, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which theinvention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred toherein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition tothose shown or described. However, the present inventors alsocontemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described areprovided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examplesusing any combination or permutation of those elements shown ordescribed (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to aparticular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect toother examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or describedherein.

In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and anydocuments so incorporated by reference, the usage in this documentcontrols. In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is commonin patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of anyother instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In thisdocument, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that“A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unlessotherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “inwhich” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms“comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms“including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device,article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements inaddition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemedto fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the followingclaims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merelyas labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements ontheir objects.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or moreaspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Otherembodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the artupon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to complywith 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain thenature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with theunderstanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scopeor meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description,various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure.This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosedfeature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter maylie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment.Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on itsown as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that suchembodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations orpermutations. The scope of the invention should be determined withreference to the appended claims, along with the full scope ofequivalents to which such claims are entitled.

1. An assembly comprising: a first section defining a first passagewaytherein to receive and pass a fluid; a second section defining a secondpassageway that communicates with the first passageway, the secondsection and the first section together forming a first ball joint havingan internal portion and an external portion, the first ball jointcomprising a moveable coupling between second section and the firstsection; a third section defining a third passageway that communicateswith the second passageway, the third section telescopically receivingthe second section therein and configured to form a linearly moveablejoint between the third section and the second section; and a fourthsection defining a fourth passageway that communicates with the thirdpassageway, the fourth section and the third section together forming asecond ball joint having an internal portion and an external portion,the second ball joint comprising a moveable coupling between the fourthsection and the third section.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein oneor more of the first section, the second section, the third section andthe fourth section is configured to house a seal, wherein the seal isconfigured to allow for the passage of a portion of the fluid as a weepinto a volume defined between at least the seal, the one or more of thefirst section, the second section, the third section and the fourthsection and a second seal, and wherein the one or more of the firstsection, the second section, the third section and the fourth section isconfigured to define a passageway to drain the portion of the fluid fromthe volume.
 3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the seal comprises aTeflon bronze seal and is one of at least three seals provided betweeneach of the first section and the second section, the second section andthe third section, and the third section and the fourth section.
 4. Theassembly of claim 1, wherein one or more of the first section that formsthe first passageway and the fourth section that forms the fourthpassageway has at least one flared end portion configured to form aportion of a curvature of the external portion of at least one of thefirst ball joint and the second ball joint.
 5. The assembly of claim 4,wherein the at least one flared end portion abuts a mating second flaredportion of at least one of the second section and the third section atan interface, and wherein the interface allows a portion of the fluid toflow into a volume defined between at least one of the internal portionand the external portion of the first ball joint and the internalportion and the external portion of the second ball joint.
 6. Theassembly of claim 5, wherein the portion of the fluid that flows intothe volume defined between the internal portion and the external portionof one or more of the first ball joint and the second ball joint furtherweeps past a first seal in the one or more of the first ball joint andthe second ball joint and into a second volume defined between the firstseal, the internal portion and the external portion of the one or moreof the first ball joint and the second ball joint and a second seal. 7.The assembly of claim 5, wherein the first seal comprises a Teflonbronze seal and is one of at least three seals provided between each ofthe first section and the second section, the second section and thethird section, and the third section and the fourth section.
 8. Theassembly of claim 1, further comprising a circlip disposed between thesecond section and the third section, wherein the second sectionincludes a flange projection received in a cavity of the third sectionand the circlip is configured to act as a stop to halt a movement of theflange projection out of the cavity.
 9. The assembly of claim 1, whereinthe assembly is configured such that each seal is recessed in one ormore of the first section, the second section, the third section and thefourth section, the assembly with each seal recessed allowing for arelative movement between the first section and the second section, thesecond section and the third section, and the third section and thefourth section.
 10. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a flangeconfigured to abut and be fastened to one or more of the first sectionand the fourth section, the flange configured to form a part of theexternal portion of one or more of the first ball joint and the secondball joint, wherein the flange is configured to house at least two sealsin grooves therein and is configured to interface with one or more ofthe second section and the third section.
 11. The assembly of claim 2,further comprising a third seal disposed within a volume defined betweenat least the seal, the one or more of the first section, the secondsection, the third section and the fourth section and the second seal,the third seal configured to expand and contract in response totemperature to regulate the weep to the passageway to drain the portionof the fluid from the volume.
 12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein thethird seal is configured to expand in the event of a fire or anotherhigh temperature event that results in an elevated temperature to blockor substantially restrict the weep to the passageway.
 13. The assemblyof claim 11, further comprising a second passageway having a connectorconfigured to connect with a leakage monitor.
 14. The assembly of claim13, wherein the second passageway communicates with the volume betweenthe third seal and the second seal.
 15. The assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising a swivel assembly configured to moveably couple to the fourthsection. 16.-20. (canceled)
 21. An assembly comprising: a first sectiondefining a first passageway therein to receive a fluid; a second sectiondefining a second passageway that communicates with the firstpassageway, the second section and the first section together forming afirst ball joint having an internal portion and an external portion, thefirst ball joint comprising a moveable coupling between second sectionand the first section; a third section defining a third passageway thatcommunicates with the second passageway, the third sectiontelescopically receiving the second section therein and configured toform a linearly moveable joint between the third section and the secondsection; and a first seal positioned at the first ball joint andconfigured to allow for the passage of a portion of the fluid as a weepinto a volume defined between the internal portion and the externalportion and a second seal.
 22. The assembly of claim 21, furthercomprising a fourth section defining a fourth passageway thatcommunicates with the third passageway, the fourth section and the thirdsection together forming a second ball joint having an internal portionand an external portion, the second ball joint comprising a moveablecoupling between the fourth section and the third section.
 23. Theassembly of claim 22, further comprising: a third seal positioned at thesecond ball joint and configured to allow for the passage of a secondportion of the fluid as a weep into a second volume defined between theinternal portion and the external portion of the second ball joint and afourth seal; a fifth seal positioned between the second section and thethird section and configured to allow for the passage of a third portionof the fluid as a weep into a third volume defined between the secondsection, the third section and a sixth seal; wherein the first seal,third seal and fifth seal each comprise a Teflon bronze seal and atleast three seals are provided between each of the first section and thesecond section, the second section and the third section, and the thirdsection and the fourth section.
 24. The assembly of claim 22, whereinthe assembly is configured such that each seal is recessed in one ormore of the first section, the second section, the third section and thefourth section, the assembly with each seal recessed allowing for arelative movement between the first section and the second section andthe second section and the third section.
 25. The assembly of claim 21,further comprising a third seal disposed within the volume, the thirdseal configured to expand and contract in response to temperature toregulate the weep to the passageway to drain the portion of the fluidfrom the volume, and wherein the third seal is configured to expand inthe event of a fire or another high temperature event that results in anelevated temperature to block or substantially restrict the weep to thepassageway.
 26. The assembly of claim 25, further comprising a secondpassageway having a connector configured to connect with a leakagemonitor, wherein the second passageway communicates with the volumebetween the third seal and the second seal.